The news release from Landmark Center bills the Urban Expedition program as a way to enjoy authentic cultural experiences without the jet lag. I wouldn’t be as concerned about the jet lag as I would be with the roughly $12,000 it would cost to fly my family of six to China. At any rate, we won’t be traveling internationally any time soon. Instead, we headed down to Landmark Center in St. Paul for the first of five free Urban Expedition Sundays.
We started off the journey by having “passports” created for each kid. They had their pictures taken and China pages stamped. Should we care to return on subsequent Sundays, there are also pages in the passport for Ecuador, India, Norway and Liberia.
The highlight was watching our girls learn a ribbon dance from the Chinese American Association of Minnesota’s Dance Theater. All kids in the audience were invited onstage to participate – Emily and Olivia eagerly joined the spectacle of streamers. Meanwhile, Andy earnestly scribed notes to his grandparents at the postcard-making table sponsored by Minnesota Landmarks, the nonprofit that manages historic Landmark Center. Other crafts, vendors and a photo exhibit rounded out the program offerings.
Finally, our cultural jaunt came complete with cuisine. Tea House, a favorite Szechuan local, was onsite serving up some of their spicy dishes (a hit with the adults, not so popular with the kids).
The cost for admission to the Urban Expedition to China? Free. That’s bargain travel.
For the Files: Sundays at Landmark produces Urban Expedition. Programs run from 1 – 3 p.m. at Landmark Center in St. Paul. Upcoming dates are March 11, April 15, April 29 and May 6. Bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Hallie Q. Brown Food Shelf.
About the Author: Anne Kingston is the Owner and Founder of Tourmoms.com.
